ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Law and Justice
22nd Law Commission submits report:
"Age of Consent under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012”
The Law Commission received a reference from the Hon'ble High Court of Karnataka , vide letter dated 9th November, 2022, asking the Commission to rethink on the age criteria for consent, taking into consideration the rising number of cases relating to minor girls above the age of 16 years falling in love, eloping and having sexual intercourse with the boy, thereby attracting the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012  and/or the Indian Penal Code, 1860. The Commission is also in receipt of a reference from the Hon'ble High Court of Madhya Pradesh , vide letter dated 19th April, 2023, wherein the Court has drawn the Commission's attention on how the enforcement of the POCSO Act, in its present form, causes gross injustice in cases of statutory rape where de facto consent is present. The Court further requested the Commission to suggest amendment to the POCSO Act, vesting discretionary power in the Special Judge to not impose the statutory minimum sentence in cases where de facto consent is apparent on part of the girl child or where such a relationship has culminated in marriage, with or without children.
After a careful review of existing child protection laws, various judgements and considering the maladies of child abuse, child trafficking and child prostitution that plague our society, the Commission is of the measured view that it is not advisable to tinker with the existing age of consent under the POCSO Act. However, having cautiously considered all the views and suggestions furnished in this regard, the Commission considers it necessary that certain amendments need to be brought in the POCSO Act to remedy the situation in cases wherein there is tacit approval in fact though not consent in law on part of the child aged between 16 to 18 years. This is so because in our considered opinion, such cases do not merit to be dealt with the same severity as the cases that were ideally imagined to fall under the POCSO Act. The Commission, therefore, deems it fit to introduce guided judicial discretion in the matter of sentencing in such cases. This will ensure that the law is balanced, thus safeguarding the best interests of the child. Accordingly, Report No. 283 titled “Age of Consent under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012” was submitted to the Ministry of Law & Justice, Department of Legal Affairs, on 27.09.2023.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Participation of Trade Unions in L20 Meetings
As per available information, L-20 meetings under Indian G20 Presidency were organized in Amritsar on 19-20 March 2023 and L20 Summit in Patna on 22-23 June 2023 wherein a large number of delegates from all over the world and Indian Trade Unions participated.
Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh  is the Chair for the L20 engagement group meetings under Indian G20 Presidency for which some Central Trade Unions have expressed their concern. Representation of Central Trade Unions is always ensured through Tripartite Consultations.
This information was given by Union Minister of Labour and Employment Shri. Narayan Rane in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
India announces definition of Green Hydrogen
Green Hydrogen Standard for India specifies emission threshold of 2 kg CO2 equivalent / kg H2 as 12-month average
In a significant move for the progress of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the government has notified the Green Hydrogen Standard for India. The standard issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy , Government of India outlines the emission thresholds that must be met in order for hydrogen produced to be classified as ‘Green’, i.e., from renewable sources. The scope of the definition encompasses both electrolysis-based and biomass-based hydrogen production methods.
After discussions with multiple stakeholders, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has decided to define Green Hydrogen as having a well-to-gate emission  of not more than 2 kg CO2 equivalent / kg H2.
The notification specifies that a detailed methodology for measurement, reporting, monitoring, on-site verification, and certification of green hydrogen and its derivatives shall be specified by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.
The notification also specifies that the Bureau of Energy Efficiency , Ministry of Power shall be the Nodal Authority for accreditation of agencies for the monitoring, verification and certification for Green Hydrogen production projects.
The notification of the Green Hydrogen Standard brings a lot of clarity to the Green Hydrogen community in India and was widely awaited. With this notification, India becomes one of the first few countries in the world to announce a definition of Green Hydrogen.
The notification of the Green Hydrogen Standard for India can be accessed here.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
NIPCCD HQ organizes an online workshop programme on 'Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace  Act, 2013'
An Online Workshop on 'Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace  Act, 2013' was organized from 12-13 September,2023 at NIPCCD, New Delhi, attended by 100 Participants .
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
Regional Office of Field Operations Division of National Statistical Office , Ahmedabad organised nationwide quiz contest अन्वेषा 2022
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation started iconic week-long celebrations starting from 27th June ‘2022 under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. As part of the celebrations Regional Office of Field Operations Division of National Statistical Office , Ahmedabad organised nationwide quiz contest अन्वेषा 2022 on official statistics for college/university students & alumni on 27th June 2022 at Senate Hall, Gujarat University.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Khimani, Vice Chancellor of Gujarat Vidyapith by lighting Azadi Ki Amrit Jyoti. In his Inaugural address Dr. Khimani highlighted the importance of official statistics in the policy formulations. Dr. Khimai motivated the students to give emphasis on learning and also informed about the Heritage Walk facility in the Gujarat Vidyapith. The Quiz contest was organised under the supervision of Shri S K Bhanawat, Dy. DG & Regional Head of the Regional Office, Field Operations Division, NSO, who welcomed all the dignitaries, students, faculty members and other participants present in the event. Shri Bhanawat remembered brave sons of India who sacrificed their lives in achieving the Independence 75 years ago by paying homage to them and said that purpose of organizing quiz for students on official statistics in celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav event is to promote awareness about official statistics and enlighten the young minds about various facets of Indian official statistical system.
Shri R S Jagtap, DDG, DQAD, Dr. Rakesh Pandya, Director, Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Govt. of Gujarat, Shri L M Jadeja, Director, Shri Shakti Singh, Joint Director, Shri Jayaprakash S Honrao, Deputy Director and other officials of NSO also participated in the event. 82 students along with faculty members from 41 colleges/universities situated in Ahmedabad and nearby areas participated in the quiz which was conducted by Quiz Masters Shri Jalaj Maheshwari and Shri Rishabh Barodawala. Based on the results of the prelim round 6 teams were shortlisted for the final round. Team consisting Mr. Vishesh Mehnot and Mr. Sidharth Yadav from CEPT University stood as winner of the अन्वेषा 2022 quiz competition. Teams from M G Science Institute and L D Arts College stood as First and Second Runner up respectively. All students who participated in the Quiz were given certificate of participation and top three teams were awarded with exciting prizes. Trophy was presented to University of the winning team.
SD/GP/JD
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Cabinet
Cabinet approves revised Model MoU between India and foreign
Financial Intelligence Units  for exchange of information
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to the revised Model Memorandum of Understanding between the Financial Intelligence Unit – India  with its counterpart foreign Financial Intelligence Units  for exchange of information. The revised Model MoU was drafted based on Egmont Group Secretariat revised Model MoU 2014.
Background
The core functions of FIU-IND in relation to foreign FIUs include screening and processing requests from foreign Financial Intelligence Units , disseminating information to foreign FIUs, establishing and maintaining relationship with foreign FIUs, and facilitating, administering and negotiating MoUs with foreign FIUs. Most of the foreign FIUs require an MoU to be signed for sharing of information with them.
President's Secretariat
President of India Inaugurates a National Conference being Organised by The Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the National Conference being organised by the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association in New Delhi today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that India’s judiciary is respected across the world as an upholder of justice for the defenceless. It is also true that our judges are overburdened by the sheer volume of cases. As a consequence, the Indian legal system is marked by long delays. He noted that there is a backlog of 3.3 crore cases in various courts of the country. Of these, 2.84 crore cases are in the subordinate courts. Another 43 lakh are in the High Courts and about 58,000 in the Supreme Court.
The President said that there are many reasons for such delays. There are infrastructure gaps and considerable vacancies, particularly in subordinate courts. There is a culture of seeking adjournments as a norm rather than an exception. New thinking is gradually taking place on frequent adjournments. He noted that the judiciary is making sincere efforts to curb this practice. He expressed confidence that the entire legal fraternity will resolve not to seek adjournments except in absolutely unavoidable circumstances.
The President said that demands from our advocates and legal professionals have changed dramatically in recent decades. As the Indian economy has opened up, business and trade law and technology law have come to acquire a new salience and specialisation. The study of these has added lustre to our legal education.
The President said that the traditional law faculties in public universities provide the backbone of the legal fraternity in India. Their rejuvenation, including access to greater funding from private and innovative sources, should be a common endeavour. When it comes to private law schools of a certain stature, the Bar Council of India could consider providing greater autonomy – perhaps recognising them in the manner of “institutes of eminence”.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
58 airports are covered under Krishi Udan 2.0 till now
Krishi Udan scheme provides air transportation and logistics support for perishable agri-produce
Krishi Udan Scheme 2.0 was announced on 27 October 2021 enhancing the existing provisions, mainly focusing on transporting perishable food products from the hilly areas, North-Eastern States and tribal areas. For facilitating and incentivising movement of agri-produce by air transportation, Airports Authority of India  provides full waiver of Landing, Parking charges, Terminal Navigational Landing Charges  and Route Navigation Facility Charges  for Indian freighters and P2C  Aircraft primarily around 25 airports focusing on North Eastern, Hilly and Tribal region and 28 airports in other regions/areas. Further, after evaluation of Krishi Udan 2.0 five more airports have been included, making it to 58 airports.
Krishi Udan Scheme is a convergence scheme where eight Ministries/Departments namely Ministry of Civil Aviation, Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region  would leverage their existing schemes to strengthen the logistics for transportation of Agri-produce.
Currently, Prayagraj airport is included under Krishi Udan Scheme 2.0. All perishable commodities are covered under Krishi Udan Scheme in the country. The scheme assists farmers in transporting agriculture products so that it improves their value realisation. Krishi Udan scheme provides air transportation and logistics support for perishable agri-produce as per the need.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Civil Aviation Gen.  V. K. Singh  in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM welcomes RBI instructions for strengthening of 1,514 Urban Co-operative Banks
Welcoming the RBI instructions for strengthening of 1,514 Urban Co-operative Banks, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi tweeted :
“This is wonderful for the cooperatives sector and will empower several people.”
More details here :
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1931050
Ministry of Mines
Mineral Production Goes up by 2.5% in October, 2022
April - October Cumulative Growth Touches 4 Per Cent
The index of mineral production of mining and quarrying sector for the month of October, 2022  at 112.5, is 2.5% higher as compared to the level in the month of October, 2021. As per the provisional statistics of Indian Bureau of Mines, the cumulative growth for the period April-October, 2022-23 over the corresponding period of previous year is 4.0 per cent.
Production level of important minerals in October, 2022 were: Coal 662 lakh tonnes, Lignite 35 lakh tonnes, Natural gas  2829 million cu. m., Petroleum  25 lakh tonnes, Bauxite 2069 thousand tonnes, Chromite 133 thousand tonnes, Copper conc. 10 thousand tonnes , Gold 98 kg, Iron ore 207 lakh tonnes, Lead conc.31 thousand tonnes, Manganese ore 167 thousand tonnes, Zinc conc. 130 thousand tonnes, Limestone 317 lakh tonnes, Phosphorite 153 thousand tonnes, Magnesite 9 thousand tonnes, and Diamond 114 carat.
Important minerals showing positive growth during October, 2022 over October, 2021 include: Diamond , Phosphorite , Bauxite  Iron Ore ,Coal and Chromite. Other important minerals showing negative growth include: Limestone ,Petroleum, Natural Gas  . Zinc conc ,Lignite,Lead conc , Magnesite , Copper concentrate, Gold  and Manganese Ore .
Election Commission
Expenditure Observers for Eight Districts of West Bengal
Kolkata: 29 March 2019
Twelve  Expenditure Observers have been appointed by Election Commission of India  till date for 11 Parliamentary Constituencies in eight districts of West Bengal.
They are - Shri Nasir Khan for Coochbehar  Constituency, Smt Shreekala D Pardeshi  for Alipurduar , Shri Srinivasa Rao Vana  for Jalpaiguri  Constituency, Dr Sudhanshu Rai and Shri Shiva Sewak for Darjeeling Contituency, Shri P Sridharan for Raigunj Constituency of Uttar Dinajpur, Shri S Devarajan for Balurghat Constitueny of Dakshin Dinajpur. For Maldaha Uttar and Dakshin Constituencies, Shri Sandeep Kumar and Shri Himanshu P Joshi respectively have been appointed as Expenditure Observers. For the three Constituencies of Murshidabad district, Shri Gurbinder Singh , Shri Ravi Kumar  and Shri Appu Joseph Jose  have been appointed as Expenditure Observers by ECI.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Extension of Validity of Registration Certificates issued under The Foreign Contribution  Act,  2010 Expiring/Expired during period between 29.09.2020 and 30.09.2021
The Ministry of Home Affairs  has extended the validity of registration certificates issued under the Foreign Contribution  Act, 2010 which have expired or are expiring during the period between 29.09.2020 and 30.09.2021. The validity for the above mentioned registration certificates has now been extended up to 30.09.2021
The MHA has said in a Public Notice which is available on www.fcraonline.nic.in, that this has been decided keeping in view exigencies arising out of the COVID-19 situation and to ensure smooth transition to the amended FCRA regime by the FCRA NGOs.
NW/RK/PK/AY/DDD
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Ministry of Defence
WESTERN NAVAL COMMAND RECEIVES THE VICTORY FLAME
Swarnim Vijay Varsh is being celebrated across the nation to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of 1971 war victory. As part of the celebrations, the Vijay Jyoti, during its journey across the length and breadth of the country, arrived at Gateway of India, Mumbai on 01 Sep 21. It was brought to the venue by personnel of the 15 Punjab Regiment and received by the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Uddhav Thackeray, in the presence of senior officers from three services, veterans of the 1971 war and other dignitaries.
On 02 Sep 21, the Victory Flame travelled to Naval Dockyard and was received there by Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, at the Gaurav Stambh Memorial in a solemn ceremony. The Commander-in-Chief paid homage to the bravehearts who laid down their lives during the war by laying a wreath at the Stambh. A ceremonial guard was also paraded to mark the occasion
On completion of this ceremony, the Victory Flame was taken to the 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron, the Killer Squadron that inherited the legacy of courage and bravery from the boats that played a pivotal role in the 1971 war. It was Missile Boats of the Killer Squadron that caused havoc in Karachi in Dec 1971 and deservedly won the epithet ‘Killers’. The Navy Day each year is celebrated on 04 Dec to commemorate the heroic acts of these ‘First Strike’ elements of the Indian Navy that live by the singular aim and purpose of ‘Hit First, Hit Hard’. The event was attended by some esteemed veterans of the Killer Squadron that had participated in Operation Trident and Operation Python during the war.
In an impressive ceremony, Vice Adm R Hari Kumar felicitated these veterans. Some veterans spoke during the event and shared their glorious experiences of bravery. The event concluded with Rear Adm Atul Anand, Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area , delivering the vote of thanks and reiterating the Killer Squadron's commitment to remain ever ready to sail into harm’s way and strike fear in the enemy when called upon to do so, in line with the rich legacy the Squadron has inherited from its revered forebears.
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MK/VM/PS
(Visitor Counter : 880
Ministry of Coal
Day 6 of Commercial Coal Mine Auction
- 1 coal mine of Jharkhand was put up for auction on Day 6 of Commercial Coal Mine Auction.
- The total geological reserves of the mine put up for auction was ~176.33 MT with a PRC of ~4 MTPA.
- The e-auction witnessed strong competition amongst the bidders with the mine attracting good premium over the floor price.
The results for Day 6 are as under:
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S. No.
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Name of the Mine
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State
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PRC 
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Geological Reserves 
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Closing Bid Submitted by
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Floor Price 
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Final Offer 
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Annual Revenue Generated based on PRC of mine 
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1
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Gondulpara
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Jharkhand
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4.00
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176.33
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Adani Enterprises Limited/146820
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4
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20.75
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520.92
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Vigilance Awareness Week to be observed by the Health Ministry
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will observe the Vigilance Awareness Week from 29th October to 3rd November, 2018 as per the directions of Central Vigilance Commission , Government of India. The theme of the vigilance awareness this year is “Eradicate Corruption- Make a New India.” Smt Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare administered the ‘Integrity Pledge’ to the officers and staff of the Ministry to fight against corruption and commit to highest standards of honesty and integrity.
The Central Vigilance Commission aims to promote integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. As part of its efforts to promote probity in public life and to achieve a corruption free society, CVC observes Vigilance Awareness Week every year. The observation of Vigilance Awareness Week creates greater awareness among public and encourages all the stakeholders to collectively participate in prevention of and fight against Corruption.
During the week-long Vigilance Awareness campaign, various activities like seminars, debates and essay competitions will be organized in the Ministry to sensitize and motivate its officers and staff to remain vigilant and transparent in their work in order to eradicate corruption in all spheres of life.
President's Secretariat
President of India's Greetings on the Eve of MILAD-UN-NABI
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in his message on the eve of Milad-un-Nabi has said: -
“On the auspicious occasion of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday which is celebrated as Eid-e-Milad or Milad-un-Nabi, I extend my greetings to all our fellow citizens, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters.
Prophet Muhammad’s life is an example of fraternity, compassion and affection. He will always remain a source of inspiration for humanity.
Let us take inspiration from his life & ideals and work for the prosperity of the society and promotion of peace and harmony in the country”.
Please Click Here to see the President's Message in Hindi
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister meets Indologists and Sanskritists
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met and interacted with several Indologists and Sanskrit experts from Italian universities.
Prime Minister noted their interest in Indian culture, literature and practice of yoga & ayurveda and lauded the role played by them in strengthening the ties between India and Italy.
Special Service and Features
Dr Ram Niwas, I.R.S., assumed charge as Chief Commissioner, Chennai Customs Zone today
Dr Ram Niwas, I.R.S., Chief Commissioner, took over charge as Chief Commissioner, Chennai Customs Zone today.
Dr Ram Niwas, an I.R.S. officer of 1990 batch, has held various prestigious charges in GST, Customs, Directorate of Enforcement, Settlement Commission, DG Performance Management and DG CEl in the past.
Well known for his probity, leadership quality, proactive approach and innovative style of functioning, Dr Ram Niwas aims at bringing about greater transparency, ease of doing business and trade facilitation as his main goals.
Public in general and trade in particular are encouraged to contact the Office of the Chief Commissioner via e-mail ccu-cuschn[at]nic[dot]in for quick redressal of their grievances.
This Press release is issued by Bibhash Sharan, Asst. Commissioner of Customs .